How To Caulk

Caulk is one of the most commonly used home improvement products. It’s easy to apply whether you’re repairing flashing on a roof, weatherizing a door or window, installing crown moulding, or painting a room.

This guide will give you a basic understanding of working with caulk by showing you how to caulk around a bathroom sink.

Tip: Caulk is available in squeezable or rigid plastic tubes. We recommend squeezable tubes for small projects. For larger projects, use the rigid tubes and a caulk gun.

Step 1: Prepare the surface
	Tip: If the gap you are caulking is greater than a 1/2 inch, press a foam backer rod into the space. If you are replacing old caulk, cut it out with a utility knife or scraper. Remove all dirt, dust, grease and debris. When removing silicone caulk, ensure all residue is completely removed. Use a rag to wipe the joint surface with rubbing alcohol or an over-the-counter disinfecting spray. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
Step 2: Tape the area
	Mask off areas around the joint where the caulk should not appear using painter’s tape. This will give you a straight line of caulk and will improve the final appearance.
Step 3: Cut the nozzle
	Read the instructions of your selected product for how to cut the nozzle. Some nozzles have a foil seal that will need to be punctured, and some nozzles also need to be removed to trim an inside seal. If using a squeeze tube, remove the cap and then trim the nozzle with scissors. For rigid plastic tubes, use a utility knife to cut off the tip of the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. The further down the nozzle the cut is made, the wider the line, known as the “bead,” of caulk will be.
Step 4: Apply the caulk
	If using a rigid plastic tube, place it in the caulking gun. Apply steady pressure to the trigger or squeeze tube and fill the gap with an even bead of caulk. It is best to push the caulk ahead of the nozzle to ensure that it gets into the joint for a proper seal.
Step 5: Smooth it out
	Tip: Some clear caulks will apply white and dry clear in seven to 14 days, depending on humidity and temperature. To reuse any remaining caulk on a future project, tightly seal the tube and store within the manufacturer's recommended temperatures. For a neat and professional-looking finish, “tool” or smooth the bead of caulk. Lightly drag a caulk finishing tool or putty knife to smooth the bead. If you applied painter’s tape, remove the tape prior to the caulk “skinning over” (meaning that the product has developed a firm skin on the surface, which normally occurs after a few hours). To correctly remove the tape, lift the edge up at a 45-degree angle away from you. Wipe away excess caulk with water and a damp cloth before the caulk dries. Excess dried caulk will need to be cut or scraped away.